Pokemon Championships 2009

By: Dillon Andrews
Posted: Sep 16, 2009

Comments (0)

Do you think you’re the best Pokemon player in the world?

…Well I’d hate to inform you, but you are not. In fact, just last month, more than 1200 players from around the world went to San Diego and competed in an epic battle to see who would reign supreme as the 2009 Pokemon Champion.

The championship was not only for gloating and personal satisfaction, there were great prizes from custom Nintendo game systems, trophies and more than $100,000 in scholarships!

While the Pokemon World Championships 2009 focused on both the card and video game franchises, the video game tournament is where the exciting action really went down. The top 60 video game players from United States, Japan and Europe were invited after previously defeating hundreds of challengers in qualifying tournaments held around the globe.

The demographics of the Pokemon brand are truly astonishing and vast. While we may not admit it, it’s a game that entices us all by its cutesy design and unique style. Don’t believe me? Well this event featured competitors aged 6 to 55!

This championship series was serious business to the attendees, and each competitor had his/her eyes locked on the prize. When the dust cleared, the Bulbasaur’s and Charmander’s were safe in their Poke Balls, and the competitor’s sported anime styled ‘X’ eyes, there stood the glorious winners.

Both the Senior and Junior divisions had a winner and a runner up, and each received a grand prize package. This package included a custom Nintendo DS, and a six-day vacation package for four to Tokyo, New York City, or Oahu. Oh yeah, and of course, each winner received automatic entry in and travel to the 2010 Pokémon Video Game World Championships. After all, a champion must defend his/her title, right?

• First Place: Jeremy Fan (Age 11) from San Jose, California USA
• Second Place: Santa Ito (Age 9) from Japan

2009 Pokémon Video Game World Champions- Senior Division (born in 1996 or earlier)

• First Place: Kazuyuki Tsuji (Age 25) from Japan
• Second Place: Tasuku Mano (Age 15) from Japan

So if you’re a die-hard Pokemon fan, or simply enjoy the thrills of some friendly competition, check out next year’s Pokemon World Championships, and who knows, maybe it will be you who’s bringing home the HeartGold (that’s a Pokemon joke for you).

For more information on the Pokemon World Championships visit: http://www.go-pokemon.com/worlds

Check back soon for Video Footage.
Gallery